Calgary French & International School

CFIS is an IB World School delivering the International Baccalaureate continuum: the IB Primary Years Programme from Early Childhood, the IB Middle Years Programme in Grades 6 to 10 and the IB Diploma Programme in Senior School. All Senior School subjects are taught in French for complete linguistic immersion (some courses may be available in English depending on subject choice), and students can obtain globally recognised language certifications in French, English and Spanish. Global education also includes a Travel Studies programme and Round Square membership.

The CFIS mission is to develop each student's individual and academic potential through full French immersion, an international focus and the development of the whole student in a rich and dynamic learning environment. Its vision is that graduates will be active global citizens with a foundation for lifelong success. The mission is summed up in three 'Je suis' statements: I am a global citizen, I am an engaged learner and I am an active leader.

The campus has gymnasiums (the South Elementary Gym alone covers 7,000 sq. ft.), school sports fields, cafeterias and two libraries staffed by professional librarians: the Learning Commons for younger students and the Marcel Tremblay Learning Resource Centre in the Secondary division.

CFIS provides fresh, healthy meals and snacks made in-house for students in Grades 1 to 12. Pre-ordered meals, including monthly pizza days, are served in the Seed Cafeteria (Grades 1-5) and the Core Cafeteria (Grades 6-12), and Grades 6-12 students can also buy homemade baked goods, sandwiches and salads at the Oh là là Café.

A centralised bus service is available for students from Preschool to Grade 12. The licensed Before and After School programme for Preschool to Grade 6 runs from 7:00 am until 5:30 pm, with a Homework Club for Grades 4 to 6. Learning support includes literacy facilitators, reading specialists, school psychologists, learning strategists and teacher assistants, and all students wear the school uniform.

Music education starts in preschool and leads to a full orchestra from Grade 5, with jazz combo and concert band in Secondary. The annual school musical involves secondary students as performers and production crew, and the visual arts programme is taught by specialist art teachers from junior preschool to Grade 12. Secondary physical education uses the gyms, school fields and local trails and adds an after-school sports programme, with activities such as curling, wall climbing, skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing; CFIS competes in seven sport seasons as a member of the Calgary Independent Schools Athletic Association. All students take part in speech, debate and Model UN in Grades 7, 8 and 9 respectively.